Disposable absorbent underpants

ABSTRACT

A disposable absorbent article is disclosed having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. The absorbent article has first, second and third pairs of leg elastics secured between an outer cover and an inner liner. The first, second and third leg elastics are arranged around each of the pair of leg openings with each of the third pair of leg elastics being positioned intermediate one of each of the first and second pairs of leg elastics. Each of the third pair of leg elastics is also separated from one of the first pair of leg elastics by a first gap and from one of the second pair of leg elastics by a second gap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 of application Ser. No. 09/566,465 entitledDISPOSABLE ABSORBENT UNDERPANTS FOR CONTAINING BODY FLUID and filed inthe U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 8. 2000, now abandoned whichis a continuation-in-part of 08/971,389 entitled DISPOSABLE UNDERPANTSand filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Nov. 11. 1997. Theentirety of both application serial number 09/566,465 and 08/971,389 arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to disposable absorbent underpants having a waistopening and a pair of leg openings. More specifically, this inventionrelates to disposable absorbent underpants having first, second andthird leg elastics surrounding each leg opening and the three legelastics are separated by first and second gaps.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Disposable absorbent underpants have been commercially available forsome time for use by infants and toddlers as diapers and training pants.Disposable absorbent underpants have also been available for use byadults suffering from incontinence. A number of such underpants haveused elastics around the leg openings to form gathers so as to minimizeleakage of body fluid from the underpants. When the elastic completelyencircles each of the leg openings, it has been found that pressuremarks can be left on the thighs of the wearer should the elastic be tootight. It has also been found that when three or more discrete sectionsof elastics are secured around each leg opening, that at the pointswhere the elastics overlap one another, leakage can occur. The overlapof two sections of elastics can also create a bump or hump that cancause irritation and discomfort to the wearer of the underpants.

Now, disposable absorbent underpants have been developed which utilizethree discrete elastic sections that are spaced apart from one anotherand are positioned about each leg opening. Each discrete elastic sectionis separated from an adjacent section by a gap. When three sections ofleg elastics are utilized, first and second gaps will be present whichseparate the three elastic sections. The gaps formed between theadjacent sections prevent the elastics from overlapping one another evenwhen the elastics contract and gather the material to which they aresecured. By eliminating overlaps of the elastics around each legopening, one can minimize and sometimes prevent the leakage of bodyfluid from the disposable absorbent underpants.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, this invention relates to disposable absorbent underpants forcontaining body fluid. The disposable underpants include an outer coverhaving a front portion and a back portion joined together by a crotchportion. The crotch portion has a minimum width W₃. An inner linerincluding a front portion and a back portion is attached to the outercover. There is no inner liner situated over the crotch portion. Thefront and back portions of both the outer cover and the inner liner arejoined together to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Anabsorbent pad is secured to the crotch portion of the outer cover by anadhesive. The absorbent pad includes a liquid permeable cover, aliquid-impermeable baffle and an absorbent layer positionedtherebetween. The absorbent pad has a width W₂ which is less than thewidth W₃. A first pair of leg elastics is secured between the outercover and the inner liner at the front portion such that each of thefirst pair of leg elastics is positioned within 1 inch of one of thepair of leg openings. A second pair of leg elastics is secured betweenthe outer cover and the inner liner at the back portion such that eachof the second pair of leg elastics is positioned within 1 inch of one ofthe pair of leg openings. A third pair of leg elastics is securedbetween the liquid permeable cover and the liquid-impermeable bafflesuch that each of the third pair of leg elastics is positioned within 1inch of one of the leg openings, intermediate one of the first andsecond pairs of leg elastics. Each of the third pair of leg elastics isseparated from one of the first pair of leg elastics by a first gap andfrom one of the second pair of leg elastics by a second gap. Each of thefirst and second gaps is at least about 0.125 inches in dimension. Thefirst, second and third pairs of leg elastics allow gathers to formabout each of the leg openings to minimize leakage of body fluid fromthe disposable absorbent underpants. The disposable absorbent underpantsalso contain waist elastics attached between the outer cover and theinner liner at the front and back portions. The waist elastics allowgathers to form about the waist opening to minimize leakage of bodyfluid from the disposable absorbent underpants.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a disposable absorbent underpants before thefront and back portions are joined together and showing cut-awaysections depicting an outer cover, an inner liner and various layers ofthe absorbent pad, along with three discrete sections of leg elasticssurrounding each of the pair of leg cutouts wherein each of thethree-elastic sections are separated from one another by a gap.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the disposable absorbent underpantsshown in FIG. 1 when the front and back portions are joined together toform a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3—3 of FIG. 1 showingthe absorbent pad secured to the crotch portion of the outer cover.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4—4 of FIG. 1 showingone of the first pair of leg elastics sandwiched between the outer coverand the inner liner and positioned within 1 inch of the outer edge.

FIG. 5 is a top view of an alternative disposable absorbent underpantsbefore the front and back portions are joined together and showingcut-away sections depicting an outer cover and an inner liner withcoterminous edges and various layers of the absorbent pad, along withthree discrete sections of leg elastics surrounding each of the pair ofleg cutouts wherein each of the three elastic sections are separatedfrom one another by a gap.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6—6 of FIG. 5 showingthe absorbent pad secured to the crotch portion of the inner liner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, a disposable absorbent underpants 10 is shown in aflat configuration before being formed into a tubular product. Thetubular product is depicted in FIG. 2. The disposable absorbentunderpants 10 is capable of absorbing and containing body fluid,especially urine and fecal matter. The disposable absorbent underpants10 has a longitudinal centerline X—X when in the flat configuration. Thedisposable absorbent underpants 10 is manufactured and sold as acomplete garment and is designed to be pulled up about the user's torso.The disposable absorbent underpants 10 can be dimensioned to be a diaperdesigned to be worn by an infant, a training pant designed to be worn bya toddler or an adult incontinent article that can be used day or nightto absorb and contain urine and/or fecal matter.

The disposable absorbent underpants 10 is constructed of an outer cover12 having a front portion 14 and a back portion 16 joined together by acrotch portion 18. The crotch portion 18 has an hourglass configuration.The outer cover 12 is located away from the body of the wearer in use.The outer cover 12 can be a single piece of material, as shown, or itcan be made up of two or more separate pieces of material that arejoined together, for example, a laminate. The outer cover 12 should beformed from a soft and flexible material. The outer cover 12 can beeither liquid permeable or liquid-impermeable. Desirably, the outercover 12 is liquid-impermeable. The outer cover 12 can be made fromnatural or synthetic fibers and/or films. Examples of natural fibersinclude cellulose wood fibers and cotton fibers. Examples of syntheticfibers include rayon fibers, polyester fibers, and polypropylene fibers.When a film is utilized, a thermoplastic film formed from a polyolefin,such as polypropylene or polyethylene works well. A combination ofnatural and synthetic materials can also be used to construct the outercover 12. The outer cover 12 can also be formed from a woven or anon-woven web or sheet such as a spunbond, a meltblown or abonded-carded web.

The disposable absorbent underpants 10 also contain an inner liner 20.The inner liner 20 is located toward the body of the wearer in use. Theinner liner 20 has a front portion 22 and a back portion 24. The innerliner 20 does not have a crotch portion and the front and back portions,22 and 24 respectively, do not extend over the crotch portion. The innerliner 20 can be two single pieces of material, as shown, or it can bemade up of two or more separate pieces of material that are joinedtogether, for example, a laminate. The inner liner 20 should be formedfrom a soft and flexible material. The inner liner 20 should be liquidpermeable.

The inner liner 20 can be joined to, attached to or secured to the outercover 12 by an adhesive, by sewing, by a pressure bond, by a thermalbond, by a pressure and thermal bond, or by another means known to thoseskilled in the art. The joining can be over the entire surface of theinner liner 20 or be over only a portion of its surface. The frontportion 22 of the inner liner 20 is positioned above or over the frontportion 14 of the outer cover 12 while the back portion 24 of the innerliner 20 is positioned above or over the back portion 16 of the outercover 12. The combination of the two front portions 14 and 22 create afront waist portion 26 having distally spaced edges 28 and 30 and a pairof edges 62 each located adjacent to a leg cutout 37. The combination ofthe two back portions 16 and 24 create a back waist portion 32 havingdistally spaced edges 34 and 36 and a pair of edges 70 each locatedadjacent to one of the leg cutouts 37. The edges 28 and 30 of the frontwaist portion 26 are connected or sealed to the edges, 34 and 36respectively, of the back waist portion 32 to form a tubularconfiguration 38, see FIG. 2, adaptable to fit around a person's torso.

The crotch portion 18 is formed only from the outer cover 12 and has apair of side edges 78 each located adjacent to one of the leg cutouts37. The side edges 78 are formed on the opposite sides of the crotchportion 18 and are arcuate in configuration. The arcuate shape of theside edges 78 give the crotch portion 18 its hourglass configuration.The hourglass configuration is more comfortable to the wearer thanstraight sided edges which create a rectangular shaped crotch portion.Desirably, each of the arcuate side edges 78 is a mirror image of theother side edge 78. The arcuate or curve profile of the side edges 78allows the side edges 78 to snuggly fix against the inner thighs of theuser and minimize fluid leakage. It has been found that straight sidededges formed in the crotch portion do not function as well as arcuateside edges.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the front and back waist portions, 26and 32 respectively, see FIG. 1, are secured together to form a pair ofside seams or seals 33 and 35, see FIG. 2. Each of the side seams 33 and35 is depicted as a T-seal that extends inward toward the body of theuser. Alternatively, each of the side seams 33 and 35 can be a T-sealthat extends outward away from the body or can be a lap seal. The sideseams 33 and 35 can be formed by using an ultrasonic bond, by using anadhesive, by using a pressure bond, by using a thermal bond, by using acombination of heat and pressure or by using another means known tothose skilled in the art. The tubular configuration 38 has a waistopening 40 and a pair of leg opening 42 and 44. The disposable absorbentunderpants 10 is designed to fit snugly around the torso of a user andis designed to contain body fluid, especially urine, discharged by thewearer.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an absorbent pad 46 is shown being secureddirectly to the liquid-impermeable outer cover 12. The absorbent pad 46is positioned over the crotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12 by anadhesive 48. The adhesive 48 can be either a hot melt adhesive or a coldmelt adhesive. The absorbent pad 46 has an hourglass configuration orprofile and is sized to cover or overlap at least about 80% of thecrotch portion 18. Desirably, the absorbent pad 46 is sized andconfigured to cover or overlap at least about 90% of the crotch portion18. More desirably, the absorbent pad 46 is sized and configured tocover or overlap at least about 95% of the crotch portion 18. Theabsorbent pad 46 includes a liquid permeable cover 50, aliquid-impermeable baffle 52 and an absorbent layer 54 positionedtherebetween. The liquid permeable cover 50 and the liquid-impermeablebaffle 52 are joined or secured together about their peripheries by aconstruction adhesive 56. The construction adhesive 56 can be either ahot melt adhesive or a cold melt adhesive.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the absorbent layer 54 has a length L₁, seeFIG. 1, and a width W₁, see FIG. 3, which are less than the length L₂and the width W₂ of the absorbent pad 46. This means that the liquidpermeable cover 50 and the liquid-impermeable baffle 52 are larger insize than the absorbent layer 54 and both extend beyond the outerperiphery of the absorbent layer 54. This is important because byforming the absorbent layer 54 such that it has a smaller overall sizethan the absorbent pad 46, any body fluid received by the absorbentlayer 54 will not be able to flow or wick outward to the outer edges ofthe absorbent pad 46. This feature will minimize and hopefully preventfluid leakage from occurring. The absorbent layer 54 should have a widthW₁ that is at least about 0.125 inches (about 0.32 mm) less than thewidth W₂ of the absorbent pad 46. Desirably, the absorbent layer 54 willhave a width W₁ that is from between about 0.25 inches (about 0.64 mm)to about 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) less than the width W₂ of the absorbentpad 46. More desirably, the absorbent layer 54 will have a width W₁ thatis from between about 0.375 inches (about 9.5 mm) to about 0.75 inches(about 19 mm) less than the width W₂ of the absorbent pad 46.

Referring again to FIG. 3, one will notice that the crotch portion 18 ofthe outer cover 12 has a minimum width W₃. The width W₂ of the absorbentpad 46 is less than the minimum width W₃ Of the crotch portion 18. Theabsorbent pad 46 should have a width W₂ that is at least about 0.125inches (about 3.2 mm) less than the width W₃ of the crotch portion 18.Desirably, the width W₂ of the absorbent pad 46 is from between about0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm) to about 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) less than thewidth W₃ of the crotch portion 18. More desirably, the absorbent pad 46will have a width W₂ that is from between about 0.375 inches (about 9.5mm) to about 2 inches (about 51 mm) less than the width W₃ of the crotchportion 18. The reason for this size difference is that the disposableabsorbent underpants 10 is primarily designed to absorb urine and it isdesirable to confine the urine to the absorbent layer 54.

The absorbent layer 54 has a width W₁ that is less than the width W₂ ofthe absorbent pad 46 and, in turn, the absorbent pad 46 has a width W₂that is less than the width W₃ of the crotch portion 18. This sizedifference assures that if any urine wicks to the longitudinal sideedges of the absorbent layer 54, that it will still be spaced apart fromthe longitudinal side edges of the absorbent pad 46. In turn, the urinewill be further spaced away from the arcuate side edges 76 of the crotchportion 18 and therefore will not leak onto the wearer's clothing orskin.

The liquid permeable cover 50 can be formed from a liquid permeablematerial so as to allow body fluid which strikes the absorbent pad 46 topass down into the absorbent layer 54. The cover 50 can be formed frommany different liquid permeable materials. Examples of some liquidpermeable materials that work well include: a non-woven web, a spunbond,a meltblown or a bonded-carded web. A bonded-carded web can be composedof synthetic polymer filaments or fibers. Examples of syntheticmaterials include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyesters and the like.The liquid permeable cover 50 can also be formed from a perforatedthermoplastic film. The liquid permeable cover 50 can further be formedfrom rayon or cotton or from other materials known to those skilled inthe art. The liquid permeable cover 50 can also be treated with asurfactant to aid in the transfer of the body fluid into the absorbentlayer 54, if desired.

The liquid-impermeable baffle 52 can be formed from a liquid-impermeablematerial so as to prevent body fluid that contacts it from passingtherethrough. The liquid-impermeable baffle 52 can be formed from a thinsheet of thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene,polyvinyl chloride and the like. Alternatively, the liquid-impermeablebaffle 52 can be formed from a non-woven, fibrous web that has beenconstructed to have low liquid permeability. The liquid-impermeablebaffle 52 can also be constructed from a foam material. In someinstances, it may be advantageous to form the liquid-impermeable baffle52 from a material that will allow vapors to pass through but which willprevent body fluid from passing through. Any material known to thoseskilled in the art which will prevent a liquid or body fluid frompassing therethrough can be used for the liquid-impermeable baffle 52.

The absorbent layer 54 that is retained between the liquid permeablecover 50 and the liquid-impermeable baffle 52 should be primarilydesigned to absorb urine. However, it could be constructed to absorbother body fluids, such as menses, blood, perspiration, as well as otherbody excrements. The absorbent layer 54 can be formed from variousnatural and/or synthetic materials, such as cellulose fibers, wood pulpfibers, regenerated cellulose or cotton fibers, meltblown fibers, ablend of pulp and other fibers, or a combination of various fibers. Asuitable material is “coform” which is a mixture of cellulose fibers andsynthetic polymer fibers. Coform is manufactured by Kimberly-ClarkCorporation, having an office at 401 North Lake Street, Neenah, Wis.54956.

The absorbent layer 54 can also include superabsorbent materials,commonly referred to as “superabsorbents”, to increase its absorbencyand ability to retain body fluids under pressure loads. Thesuperabsorbents can be present in particle form, as flakes or have someother structural shape. The superabsorbents can be secured to theabsorbent fibers by an adhesive or they can be loosely positionedbetween the absorbent fibers. Suitable superabsorbents are commerciallyavailable from the Dow Chemical Company, Hoechst Celanese Corporationand Allied Colloids, Inc.

The absorbent layer 54 may be wrapped in tissue or some similar kind ofacquisition and/or distribution layer to assist in maintaining theintegrity of the absorbent fibers and the superabsorbents.

It should be noted that the absorbent pad 46 should be designed toabsorb at least about 100 grams of body fluid, such as urine. Desirably,the absorbent pad 46 should be designed to absorb from between about 100grams to about 1500 grams of body fluid. More desirably, the absorbentpad 46 should be designed to absorb about 300 grams of body fluid. Stillmore desirably, the absorbent pad 46 should be designed to absorb about500 grams of body fluid. Even more desirably, the absorbent pad 46should be designed to absorb about 1,000 grams of body fluid. Mostdesirably, the absorbent pad 46 should be designed to absorb about 1,500grams of body fluid.

In order to measure the absorbency of the absorbent pad 46, one shoulduse a “Saturated Retention Capacity Test.” The “Saturated RetentionCapacity” of the absorbent pad 46 can be measured using the followingprocedure. First, the absorbent pad 46 is measured to make sure it has amoisture content of less than about 7 weight percent. The moisturecontent value can be obtained by following the ASTM D-2495 (7.01)Standard Test Method for Moisture Content in Cotton by Oven-Drying. Theabsorbent pad 46 is then weighed to obtain its “dry weight.” Theabsorbent pad 46 is then submerged in an excess quantity of syntheticurine at room temperature (about 23 degrees Celsius). The composition ofthe synthetic urine comprises 0.31 grams of monobasic calcium phosphatemonohydrate (CaH4(PO4)2H2O), 0.68 grams of monobasic potassium phosphate(KH2PO4), 0.48 grams of magnesium sulphate heptahydrate (MgSO4 7H2O),1.33 grams of potassium sulphate (K2SO4), 1.24 grams of tribasic sodiumphosphate dodecahydrate (Na3PO4 12H2O), 4.4 grams of sodium chloride(NaCl), 3.16 grams of potassium chloride (KCl), 8.56 grams of urea(CO(NH2)2), 0.1 grams of Pluronic 10R8 surfactant (a non-ionicsurfactant commercially available from BASF-Wyandotte Corporation), 1gram of methyl paraben and 1 gram of Germall 115 preservative(commercially available from Santell Chemical Company, Chicago, Ill.)per liter using distilled water as the solvent. The above-identifiedcomponents are added to 900 milliliters of distilled water in the ordergiven and each dissolved before the next component is added. Thesolution is finally diluted to one liter.

The absorbent pad 46 is allowed to remain submerged in the syntheticurine for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the absorbent pad 46 is removedfrom the synthetic urine and placed on a TEFLON coated fiberglassscreen. TEFLON is a registered trademark of E. I. DuPont de Nemours &Company, having an office at 1002 Market Street, Wilmington, Del. 19801.The screen has a plurality of openings of about 0.25 inches (about 6.4mm) in width. Such a screen is commercially available from TaconicPlastics, Inc., having an office in Petersburg, N.Y. The screen ispositioned on a vacuum box and the absorbent pad 46 is positioned indirect contact with the upper surface of the screen. The absorbent pad46 and screen are covered with a flexible rubber dam material. A vacuumof 3.5 kilopascals (about 0.5 pounds per square inch) is drawn into thevacuum box for a period of 5 minutes. The flexible rubber dam materialis removed and the absorbent pad 46 is withdrawn and weighed to obtainits “wet weight.” The amount of fluid retained by the absorbent pad 46is determined by subtracting its dry weight from its wet weight. The“Saturated Retention Capacity” of the absorbent pad 46 is equal to thefluid, measured in grams, which is retained by the absorbent pad 46.

Optionally positioned above the absorbent layer 54 can be a surge layer58. The surge layer 58 is in direct contact with the liquid permeablecover 50. The purpose of the surge layer 58 is to quickly take up bodyfluid that contacts the cover 50 and direct this body fluid downwardtoward the absorbent layer 54. In addition, the surge layer 58 candirect the body fluid outward in the transverse and longitudinaldirections so that it is capable of contacting a greater surface area ofthe absorbent layer 54. The ability of the surge layer 58 to quicklymove the body fluid in the x, y and z directions diffuses surges of bodyfluid which insult the absorbent pad 46. The surge layer 58 is alsocommonly referred to as an acquisition/distribution layer. The surgelayer 58 can be formed from a through-air bonded-carded web composed ofa blend of 40% 6 denier polyester fibers, commercially available fromHoechst Celanese Corporation, and 60% 3 denierpolypropylene/polyethylene sheath core bicomponent fibers, commerciallyavailable from Chisso Corporation. The surge layer 58 can have anoverall basis weight ranging from about 50 grams per square meter (gsm)to about 120 gsm. In FIG. 1, the surge layer 58 is depicted as having arectangular configuration but it could be formed into other shapes aswell, including an hourglass shape, an oval shape, etc.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the disposable absorbent underpants 10includes a first pair of leg elastics 60 secured between the outer cover12 and the inner liner 20. The first pair of leg elastics 60 is presenton the right and left sides of the front waist portion 26. Each of thefirst pair of leg elastics 60 is positioned adjacent to one of the pairof leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. The first pair of leg elastics60 is depicted as being three strands of an elastic material although afewer or a greater number of strands can be utilized if desired. It hasbeen found that three strands provide adequate elastic strength to formgathers about each of the leg openings 42 and 44. The first pair of legelastics 60 can be secured at intermittent sites to the outer cover 12and to the inner liner 20 by an adhesive, by ultrasonic bonding, by heatand/or pressure bonds or by some other means known to those skilled inthe art. Materials suitable for forming the first pair of leg elastics60 include polyurethane, rubber, and other elastomeric materials. Thefirst pair of leg elastics 60 can be in the form of long or shortelastic strands, elastic tapes, ribbons, yarns, etc. The first pair ofleg elastics 60 can have a cross-sectional configuration that is flat,square, rectangular, circular, oval or some other shape. A good materialfrom which the first pair of leg elastics 60 can be formed is LYCRA.LYCRA is a registered trademark of the E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Companythat has an office at 1002 Market Street, Wilmington, Del. 19801.

Each of the first pair of leg elastics 60 is positioned adjacent to afirst pair of edges 62. Each of the first pair of edges 62 issubstantially linear in configuration and each extends inward toward thecrotch portion 18 from one of the two distally spaced edges 28 and 30.At least about 50% of the length of each of the first pair of legelastics 60 is linear in configuration. Desirably, from between about70% to about 100% of each of the first pair of leg elastics 60 is linearin configuration. More desirably, from between about 75% to about 95% ofeach of the first pair of leg elastics 60 is linear in configuration.

Each of the first pair of edges 62 are aligned at an angle alpha (α) tothe longitudinal centerline X—X of the disposable absorbent underpants10. The angle alpha (α) can range from between about 62 degrees to about99 degrees. Desirably, the angle alpha (α) can range from between about74 degrees to about 91 degrees, and most desirably, the angle alpha (α)is at least about 85 degrees. The angling of the first pair of edges 62relative to the longitudinal centerline X—X ensures a better contouringof the disposable absorbent underpants 10 to the body and provides acomfortable fit with reduced bunching.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the first pair of leg elastics60 is positioned within 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) of one of the legopenings, 42 and 44 respectively. Desirably, each of the first pair ofleg elastics 60 is positioned within 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) of one ofthe leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. More desirably, each of thefirst pair of leg elastics 60 is positioned within about 0.375 inches(about 9.5 mm) of one of the leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. Evenmore desirably, each of the first pair of leg elastics 60 is positionedwithin about 0.25 inches (about 6.5 mm) of one of the leg openings, 42and 44 respectively. By “positioned within” it is meant that each of thefirst pair of leg elastics 60 is located entirely within the specifieddimension as measured from the adjacent edge 62.

Referring again to FIG. 1, each of the first pair of leg elastics 60 islocated along and is preferably aligned parallel to at least a portionof the first pair of edges 62. Desirably, each of the first pair of legelastics 60 is aligned parallel to at least about 80% of the first pairof edges 62. Each of the first pair of leg elastics 60 has a first end64 located adjacent to or coterminous to one of the distal edges, 28 and30 respectively. Desirably, each of the first ends 64 is spaced slightlyinward from one of the two distal edges 28 and 30. The first pair of legelastics 60 should extend toward the absorbent pad 46 but should stopshort thereof. Each of the first pair of leg elastics 60 terminates at asecond end 66. The first pair of leg elastics 60 should extend towardthe absorbent pad 46 but should stop short thereof. Each of the secondends 66 is located away from the longitudinal edges of the absorbent pad46. The exact distance that each of the second ends 66 is spaced awayfrom the longitudinal edges of the absorbent pad 46 can vary frombetween about 3 millimeter to about 75 millimeters. Desirably, thedistance from the longitudinal edges of the absorbent pad 46 to each ofthe second ends 66 is less than about 25 millimeters. This spacing is toassure that the first pair of leg elastics 60 can function properlywithout interfering with the absorbent pad 46. By the “first and secondends, 64 and 66 respectively,” of the first pair of leg elastics 60, itis meant the ends of the gathered material where the effectiveness ofthe elastic ends. This can differ from the physical ends of the elasticmaterial which is normally longer and represents the actual ends of theindividual elastic filaments or strands.

The disposable absorbent underpants 10 also includes a second pair ofleg elastics 68 secured between the outer cover 12 and the inner liner20. The second pair of leg elastics 68 is present on the right and leftsides of the back waist portion 32. Each of the second pair of legelastics 68 is positioned adjacent to one of the pair of leg openings,42 and 44 respectively. The second pair of leg elastics 68 is depictedas being three strands of an elastic material although a fewer or agreater number of strands can be utilized if desired. It has been foundthat three strands provide adequate elastic strength to form gathersabout each of the leg openings 42 and 44, see FIG. 2. The second pair ofleg elastics 68 can be secured at intermittent sites to the outer cover12 and to the inner liner 20 by an adhesive, by ultrasonic bonding, byheat and/or pressure bonds or by some other means known to those skilledin the art. Materials suitable for forming the second pair of legelastics 68 include those described above with reference to the firstpair of leg elastics 60. Like the first pair of leg elastics 60, thesecond pair of leg elastics 68 can be in the form of long or shortelastic strands, elastic tapes, ribbons, yarns, etc. The second pair ofleg elastics 68 can have a cross-sectional configuration that is flat,square, rectangular, circular, oval or some other shape.

Each of the second pair of leg elastics 68 is positioned adjacent to asecond pair of edges 70. Each of the second pair of edges 70 issubstantially linear in configuration and extends inward toward thecrotch portion 18 from the two distally spaced edges 34 and 36. At leastabout 50% of the length of each of the second pair of leg elastics 68 islinear in configuration. Desirably, from between about 70% to about 100%of each of the second pair of leg elastics 68 is linear inconfiguration. More desirably, from between about 75% to about 95% ofeach of the second pair of leg elastics 68 is linear in configuration.

Each of the second pair of edges 70 is aligned at an angle beta (β) tothe longitudinal centerline X—X of the disposable absorbent underpants10. The angle beta (β) can range from between about 45 degrees to about89 degrees. Desirably, the angle beta (β) can range from between about55 degrees to about 87 degrees, and most desirably, the angle beta (β)is from between about 61 degrees to about 76 degrees. The angling of thesecond pair of edges 70 relative to the longitudinal centerline X—Xensures a better contouring of the disposable absorbent underpants 10 tothe body and provides a comfortable fit with reduced bunching.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the second pair of legelastics 68 is positioned within 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) of one of theleg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. Desirably, each of the second pairof leg elastics 68 is positioned within 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) of oneof the leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. More desirably, each of thesecond pair of leg elastics 68 is positioned within about 0.375 inches(about 9.5 mm) of one of the leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. Evenmore desirably, each of the second pair of leg elastics 68 is positionedwithin about 0.25 inches (about 6.5 mm) of one of the leg openings, 42and 44 respectively. By “positioned within” it is meant that each of thesecond pair of leg elastics 68 is located entirely within the specifieddimension as measured from the adjacent edge 70.

Referring again to FIG. 1, each of the second pair of leg elastics 68 islocated along and is preferably aligned parallel to at least a portionof the second pair of edges 70. Desirably, each of the second pair ofleg elastics 68 is aligned parallel to at least about 80% of the secondpair of edges 70. Each of the second pair of leg elastics 68 has a firstend 72 located adjacent to or coterminous to one of the distal edges, 34and 36 respectively, of the back portions 16 and 24. Desirably, each ofthe first ends 72 is spaced slightly inward from one of the two edges 34and 36. The second pair of leg elastics 68 should extend toward theabsorbent pad 46 but should stop short thereof. Each of the second pairof leg elastics 68 terminates at a second end 74. Each of the secondends 74 is located away from the outer periphery of the absorbent pad46. The exact distance can vary from between about 3 millimeter to about50 millimeters. Desirably, the distance from the outer periphery of theabsorbent pad 46 to one of the second ends 74 is less than about 25millimeters. As stated above with reference to the first pair of legelastics 60, the first and second ends, 72 and 74 respectively, of thesecond pair of leg elastics 68 refer to the gathered end of the elasticmaterial and not to the actual length of the individual elasticfilaments or strands.

The disposable absorbent underpants 10 further includes a third pair ofleg elastics 76 secured between the liquid permeable cover 50 and theliquid-impermeable baffle 52 that form the absorbent pad 46. The thirdpair of leg elastics 76 has an arcuate profile. The third pair of legelastics 76 is present on the right and left sides of the crotch portion18. Each of the third pair of leg elastics 76 is positioned adjacent toone of the pair of leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. The third pairof leg elastics 76 is depicted as being three strands of an elasticmaterial although a fewer or a greater number of strands can be utilizedif desired. It has been found that three strands provide adequateelastic strength to form gathers about each of the leg openings 42 and44. The third pair of leg elastics 76 can be secured at intermittentsites to the liquid permeable cover 50 and to the liquid-impermeablebaffle 52 by an adhesive, by ultrasonic bonding, by heat and/or pressurebonds or by some other means known to those skilled in the art.Materials suitable for forming the third pair of leg elastics 76 includethose described above with reference to the first and second pairs ofleg elastics, 60 and 68 respectively. Like the first and second pairs ofleg elastics, 60 and 68 respectively, the third pair of leg elastics 76can be in the form of long or short elastic strands, elastic tapes,ribbons, yarns, etc. The third pair of leg elastics 76 can have across-sectional configuration that is flat, square, rectangular,circular, oval or some other shape.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, each of the third pair of leg elastics 76 ispositioned adjacent to a third pair of side edges 78. The side edges 78are arcuate, or curved in configuration and each is located adjacent tothe outside periphery of the crotch portion 18. Each of the third pairof leg elastics 76 is aligned parallel to at least a portion of one ofthe third pair of side edges 78. Desirably, each of the third pair ofleg elastics 76 is aligned parallel to at least about 90% of one of thethird pair of edges 78. More desirably, each of the third pair of legelastics 76 is aligned parallel to about 100% of one of the third pairof edges 78. Each of the third pair of leg elastics 76 is positionedwithin 1 inch (about 25.4 mm) of one of the leg openings, 42 and 44respectively. Desirably, each of the third pair of leg elastics 76 ispositioned within 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) from one of the leg openings,42 and 44 respectively, see FIG. 3. More desirably, each of the thirdpair of leg elastics 76 is positioned within about 0.375 inches (about9.5 mm) from one of the leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. Even moredesirably, each of the third pair of leg elastics 76 is positionedwithin about 0.25 inches (about 6.5 mm) from one of the leg openings, 42and 44 respectively. By “positioned within” it is meant that each of thethird pair of leg elastics 76 is located entirely within the specifieddimension as measured from the adjacent third pair of side edges 78.

Referring again to FIG. 1, each of the third pair of leg elastics 76 islocated along one of the side edges 78 and is aligned parallel thereto.Each of the third pair of leg elastics 76 is positioned intermediate oneof the first and second pairs of leg elastics, 60 and 68 respectively.Each of the third pair of leg elastics 76 has a first end 80 and asecond end 82. As stated above with reference to the first and secondpairs of leg elastics, 60 and 68 respectively, the first and secondends, 80 and 82 respectively, of the third pair of leg elastics 76 referto the gathered end of the elastic material and not to the actual lengthof the individual elastic filaments or strands.

The first ends 80 of the third pair of leg elastics 76 are separatedfrom the second ends 66 of the first pair of leg elastics 60 by a firstpair of gaps 84. The dimension of each of the first pair of gaps 84 isdenoted as “D₁.” The dimension D₁ can be at least about 0.125 inches(about 3.2 mm) in length. Desirably, the dimension D₁ is from betweenabout 0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm) to about 9 inches (about 229 mm). Moredesirably, the dimension D₁ is from between about 0.375 inches (about9.5 mm) to about 5 inches (about 127 mm). Most desirably, the dimensionD₁ is from between about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) to about 2 inches(about 51 mm). The dimension D₁ is measured when the disposableabsorbent underpants 10 is in a flat, extended orientation similar tothat depicted in FIG. 1. To measure the distance of the gaps D_(1,) oneshould mark the gathered ends 66 and 80 of the first and third pairs ofleg elastics 60 and 76 when the disposable absorbent underpants 10 is ina relaxed state. In this state, the disposable absorbent underpants 10is opened to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. The disposable absorbentunderpants 10 is then stretched or extended 100% along the longitudinalcenterline X—X while still in a flat configuration. The dimension ofeach of the first pair of gaps 84 will increase. In this configuration,the first and third pairs of leg elastics, 60 and 76 respectively, willbe stretched from their relaxed state and the actual distance betweenthe marks will represent the dimension of the gap D_(1.)

Likewise, the second ends 82 of the third pair of leg elastics 76 areseparated from the second ends 74 of the second pair of leg elastics 68by a second pair of gaps 86. The dimension of each of the second pair ofgaps 86 is denoted as “D₂.” The dimension D₂ can be at least about 0.125inches (about 3.2 mm) in length. Desirably, the dimension D₂ is frombetween about 0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm) to about 9 inches (about 229mm). More desirably, the dimension D₂ is from between about 0.375 inches(about 9.5 mm) to about 5 inches (about 127 mm). Most desirably, thedimension D₂ is from between about 0.5 inches (about 13 mm) to about 2inches (about 51 mm). The dimension D₂ is measured when the disposableabsorbent underpants 10 is in a flat, extended orientation similar tothat depicted in FIG. 1. To measure the distance of the gap D₂, oneshould mark the gathered ends 74 and 82 of the second and third pairs ofleg elastics 68 and 76 in a relaxed state. The disposable absorbentunderpants 10 is then stretched or extended 100% along the longitudinalcenterline X—X while still in a flat configuration. The dimension ofeach of the second pair of gaps 86 will increase. In this configuration,the second and third pairs of leg elastics, 68 and 76 respectively, willbe stretched from their relaxed state and the actual distance betweenthe marks will represent the dimension of the gap D₂.

It should be noted that two pairs of gaps 84 and 86 have been described.However, if one desired to use only one pair of the two pairs of gaps,84 and 86, this can be done. One could also use additional gaps, ifdesired, without destroying the function of this invention. Desirably,the two pairs of gaps 84 and 86 will be sufficient.

The first and second pairs of gaps, 84 and 86 respectively, ensure thatthe first, second and third pairs of leg elastics, 60, 68 and 76respectively, will cooperate together to form gathers 88 and 90 aroundthe first and second leg openings, 42 and 44 respectively. The gathers88 and 90, best depicted in FIG. 2, form a snug fit around the entirecircumference of each of the leg openings 42 and 44. The two pairs ofgaps 84 and 86 will prevent the adjacent leg elastics 60, 68 and 76 fromoverlapping one another and forming bumps and/or humps around the legopenings 42 and 44. By eliminating such bumps and humps, one can preventthe leakage of body fluid through the leg openings 42 and 44. It is veryimportant that fluid leakage from around the leg openings 42 and 44 beminimized and hopefully eliminated because if such leakage occurs, theusefulness of the disposable absorbent underpants 10 is compromised.

Even though the two pairs of gaps 84 and 86 are present in the stretchedout, flat orientation shown in FIG. 1, the contraction force of thefirst, second and third pairs of leg elastics 60, 68 and 76 will causethe gathers 88 and 90 to form. The force of the leg elastics 60, 68 and76 adjacent to the gaps 84 and 86 will cause the material forming theouter cover 12 and the inner liner 20 to fit snug against the thighs ofthe wearer during use. No fluid channels will occur at the locations ofthe first and second pairs of gaps 84 and 86. This will assure that nobody fluid will be able to leak out through these locations (D₁ and D₂)during normal use.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the disposable absorbent underpants 10further has waist elastic 92 attached to the front waist portion 26 andwaist elastic 94 attached to the back waist portion 32. The waistelastics 92 and 94 can include threads, strands, ribbons, bands, film,elastic non-wovens or composites. The threads, strands, ribbons, etc.may be a multitude of singular members or they may be applied as acomposite. The number of elastic members can range from 1 to over a 100.Desirably, the number of elastic members 92 and 94 will range frombetween about 10 to about 40, and most desirably, from about 15 to about35. There can be an equal number or a different number of waist elastics92 in the front waist portion 26 versus the number of waist elastics 94in the back waist portion 32. The waist elastics 92 and 94 can beindividual threads that are spaced apart from one another from betweenabout 0.063 inches (about 1.6 mm) to about 2.0 inches (about 51 mm)Desirably, the waist elastics 92 and 94 can be individual threads thatare spaced apart from one another by about 0.25 inches (about 6 mm).While the appearance of the disposable absorbent underpants 10 may beenhanced by the close even spacing of the waist elastics 92 and 94, theexact distance between adjacent waist elastics 92 or 94 can vary.

The waist elastics 92 and 94 may be made from any suitable elastomericmaterial. One suitable material is LYCRA. LYCRA is a registeredtrademark of the E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Company, having an office at1002 Market Street, Wilmington, Del. 19801. Suitable waist elastics 92and 94 include threads having a decitex (grams/10,000 meters) of frombetween about 100 to about 1,200. Desirably, the waist elastics 92 and94 are threads having a decitex of from between about 470 to about 940.More desirably, the waist elastics 92 and 94 are threads having adecitex of from between about 620 to about 740. The waist elastics 92and 94 can be secured to the outer cover 12 and to the inner liner 20 bya hot or cold melt adhesive applied in a variety of spray patterns. Onespray pattern that has been used with good success is a swirl pattern.An adhesive that works well is a hot melt adhesive sold as Findley H2096by ATO Findley Adhesives, having an office in Milwaukee, Wis.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, an alternative embodiment of adisposable absorbent underpants 10′ is depicted. Most of the numbersused in FIGS. 1–4 will be reused to connote identical structure in FIGS.5 and 6. In this embodiment, the disposable absorbent underpants 10′includes an inner liner 20′ having a front portion 22′ and a backportion 24′ joined together by a crotch portion 25. The inner liner 20′should be soft and flexible. The inner liner 20′ can be liquid permeableor liquid-impermeable. Desirably, the inner liner 20′ is liquidpermeable. In the disposable absorbent underpants 10′, the inner liner20′ can be a single piece of material or it could be assembled from twoor more pieces of material. Desirably, the inner liner 20′ will be asingle piece of material.

The crotch portion 25 can overlay the crotch portion 18 of the outercover 12. The crotch portion 25 can be bonded to the crotch portion 18of the outer cover 12 or it can merely be in contact therewith.Alternatively, the crotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12 can beeliminated when the crotch portion 25 of the inner liner 20′ is present.Since the inner liner 20′ includes the crotch portion 25, the absorbentpad 46 will be secured thereto. This is different from the disposableabsorbent underpants 10 shown in FIG. 1, wherein the inner liner 20 didnot include a crotch portion. In FIG. 1, the absorbent pad 46 wassecured directly to the crotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12. Whenthe inner liner 20′ does include a crotch portion 25, it is advantageousto secure the absorbent pad 46 directly to it.

Referring to FIG. 6, one will notice that the absorbent layer 54 has awidth W₁ and the absorbent pad 46 has a width W₂. In addition, thecrotch portion 18 of the outer cover 12 has a minimum width W₃ and thecrotch portion 25 of the inner liner 20′ has a minimum width W₄. Thewidth W₃ is approximately equal to the width W₄. Desirably, the width W₃is equal to the width W₄. The width W₂ of the absorbent pad 46 is lessthan the minimum width W₄ of the crotch portion 25. In turn, the widthW₂ of the absorbent pad 46 is greater than the width W₁ of the absorbentlayer 54. The absorbent pad 46 should have a width W₂ that is at leastabout 0.125 inches (about 3.2 mm) less than the width W₄ of the crotchportion 25. Desirably, the width W₂ of the absorbent pad 46 is frombetween about 0.25 inches (about 6.4 mm) to about 1 inch (about 25.4 mm)less than the width W₄ of the crotch portion 25. More desirably, theabsorbent pad 46 will have a width W₂ that is from between about 0.375inches (about 9.5 mm) to about 2 inches (about 51 mm) less than thewidth W₄ of the crotch portion 25. The reason for this size differenceis that the disposable absorbent underpants 10 is primarily designed toabsorb urine and it is desirable to confine the urine to the absorbentlayer 54.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, the hourglass shaped absorbent pad 46 is shown beingsecured directly to the liquid permeable inner liner 20′. The absorbentpad 46 is positioned over the crotch portion 25 of the inner liner 20′by an adhesive 48. The adhesive 48 can be either a hot melt adhesive ora cold melt adhesive. The absorbent pad 46 has an hourglassconfiguration or profile and is sized to cover or overlap at least about80% of the crotch portion 25. Desirably, the absorbent pad 46 is sizedand configured to cover or overlap at least about 90% of the crotchportion 25. More desirably, the absorbent pad 46 is sized and configuredto cover or overlap at least about 95% of the crotch portion 25.

In FIGS. 5 and 6, just as in FIG. 1, the front and back portions, 22′and 24′ respectively, of the inner liner 20′ are attached to the frontand back portions, 14 and 16 respectively, of the outer cover 12. Thefront and back waist portions, 26 and 32 respectively, are in turnseamed or sealed together to form a tubular configuration similar tothat depicted in FIG. 2.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with two specificembodiments, it is to be understood that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart in light of the aforegoing description. Accordingly, this inventionis intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications andvariations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A disposable absorbent underpants for containing body fluidcomprising: a) an outer cover having a front portion and a back portionjoined together by a crotch portion, said crotch portion having anhourglass configuration with a minimum width W₃; b) an inner linerhaving a front portion and a back portion, said front and back portionsof said inner liner being attached to said front and back portions,respectively, of said outer cover, and said inner liner and said outercover being joined together to form a waist opening and a pair of legopenings; c) an absorbent pad including a liquid permeable cover, aliquid-impermeable baffle and an absorbent layer positionedtherebetween, said baffle being secured to said crotch portion of saidouter cover, said absorbent pad having a width W₂ which is less thansaid width W₃, and said absorbent pad overlapping at least about 80% ofsaid crotch portion; d) a first pair of leg elastics secured betweensaid outer cover and said inner liner at said front portion, at least aportion of the length of each of said first pair of leg elastics beingaligned parallel to an edge of one of said leg openings, and each ofsaid first pair of leg elastics being positioned within 1 inch of one ofsaid pair of leg openings; e) a second pair of leg elastics securedbetween said outer cover and said inner liner at said back portion, atleast a portion of the length of each of said second pair of legelastics being aligned parallel to an edge of one of said leg openings,and each of said second pair of leg elastics being positioned within 1inch of one of said pair of leg openings; f) a third pair of legelastics secured between said liquid permeable cover and saidliquid-impermeable baffle, said third pair of leg elastics having anarcuate profile, each of said third pair of leg elastics beingpositioned within 1 inch of one of said leg openings intermediate one ofsaid first and second pairs of leg elastics, each of said third pair ofleg elastics being separated from one of each of said first pair of legelastics by a first gap of at least about 0.125 inches and each of saidthird pair of leg elastics being separated from one of each of saidsecond pair of leg elastics by a second gap of at least about 0.125inches, said first, second and third pairs of leg elastics allowinggathers to form about each of said leg openings to prevent leakage ofbody fluid from said underpants; and g) waist elastic attached betweensaid outer cover and said inner liner at said front and back portions,said waist elastics allowing gathers to form about said waist opening toprevent leakage of body fluid from said underpants.
 2. The disposableabsorbent underpants of claim 1 wherein said absorbent pad overlaps atleast about 90% of said crotch portion.
 3. The disposable absorbentunderpants of claim 2 wherein said absorbent pad overlaps at least about95% of said crotch portion.
 4. The disposable absorbent underpants ofclaim 1 wherein each of said first and second gaps has a dimension of atleast about 0.25 inches.
 5. The disposable absorbent underpants of claim4 wherein each of said first and second gaps has a dimension of frombetween about 0.25 inches to about 9 inches.
 6. The disposable absorbentunderpants of claim 1 wherein said crotch portion has a third pair ofedges and each of said third pair of leg elastics is aligned parallel toat least about 90% of one of said third pair of edges.
 7. The disposableabsorbent underpants of claim 6 wherein said crotch portion has a thirdpair of edges and each of said third pair of leg elastics is alignedparallel to about 100% of one of said third pair of edges.
 8. Thedisposable absorbent underpants of claim 1 wherein said absorbent padhas a capacity for absorbing about 500 grams of body fluid.
 9. Thedisposable absorbent underpants of claim 8 wherein said absorbent padhas a capacity for absorbing about 1,000 grams of body fluid.
 10. Adisposable absorbent underpants for containing body fluid comprising: a)an outer cover having a front portion and a back portion joined togetherby a crotch portion, said crotch portion having an hourglassconfiguration with a minimum width W₃; b) an inner liner having a frontportion and a back portion, said front and back portions of said innerliner being attached to said front and back portions, respectively, ofsaid outer cover, and said inner liner and said outer cover being joinedtogether to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; c) anabsorbent pad including a liquid permeable cover, a liquid-impermeablebaffle and an absorbent layer positioned therebetween, said baffle beingsecured to said crotch portion of said outer cover, said absorbent padhaving a capacity for absorbing at least about 100 grams of body fluid,said absorbent pad having a width W₂ which is less than said width W₃,and said absorbent pad overlapping at least about 80% of said crotchportion; d) a first pair of leg elastics secured between said outercover and said inner liner at said front portion, at least a portion ofthe length of each of said first pair of leg elastics being alignedparallel to an edge of one of said leg openings, and each of said firstpair of leg elastics being positioned within 1 inch of one of said pairof leg openings; e) a second pair of leg elastics secured between saidouter cover and said inner liner at said back portion, at least aportion of the length of each of said second pair of leg elastics beingaligned parallel to an edge of one of said leg openings, and each ofsaid second pair of leg elastics being positioned within 1 inch of oneof said pair of leg openings; f) a third pair of leg elastics securedbetween said liquid permeable cover and said liquid-impermeable baffle,said third pair of leg elastics having an arcuate profile, each of saidthird pair of leg elastics being positioned within 1 inch of one of saidleg openings intermediate one of said first and second pairs of legelastics, each of said third pair of leg elastics being separated fromone of each of said first pair of leg elastics by a first gap of atleast about 0.125 inches and each of said third pair of leg elasticsbeing separated from one of each of said second pair of leg elastics bya second gap of at least about 0.125 inches, said first, second andthird pairs of leg elastics allowing gathers to form about each of saidleg openings to prevent leakage of body fluid from said underpants; andg) waist elastic attached between said outer cover and said inner linerat said front and back portions, said waist elastics allowing gathers toform about said waist opening to prevent leakage of body fluid from saidunderpants.
 11. The disposable absorbent underpants of claim 10 whereinsaid absorbent pad overlaps at least about 90% of said crotch portion.12. The disposable absorbent underpants of claim 11 wherein saidabsorbent pad overlaps at least about 95% of said crotch portion. 13.The disposable absorbent underpants of claim 10 wherein from about 70%to about 100% of each of said first pair of leg elastics is linear inconfiguration.
 14. The disposable absorbent underpants of claim 10wherein from about 70% to about 100% of each of said second pair of legelastics is linear in configuration.
 15. The disposable absorbentunderpants of claim 10 wherein said crotch portion has a third pair ofedges and each of the third pair of leg elastics is aligned parallel toat least about 90% of one of said third pair of edges.
 16. A disposableabsorbent underpants for containing body fluid comprising: a) an outercover having a front portion and a back portion joined together by acrotch portion, said crotch portion having an hourglass configurationwith a minimum width W₃; b) an inner liner having a front portion and aback portion joined together by a crotch portion, said crotch portionhaving an hourglass configuration with a minimum width W₄ wherein W₄ isequal to W₃, and said inner liner and said outer cover being joinedtogether to form a waist opening and a pair of leg openings; c) anabsorbent pad including a liquid permeable cover, a liquid-impermeablebaffle and an absorbent layer positioned therebetween, said baffle beingsecured to said crotch portion of said inner liner, said absorbent padhaving a capacity for absorbing at least about 500 grams of body fluid,said absorbent pad having a width W₂ which is less than said width W₃,and said absorbent pad overlapping at least about 80% of said crotchportion; d) a first pair of leg elastics secured between said outercover and said inner liner at said front portion, at least a portion ofthe length of each of said first pair of leg elastics being alignedparallel to an edge of one of said leg openings, and each of said firstpair of leg elastics being positioned within 1 inch of one of said pairof leg openings; e) a second pair of leg elastics secured between saidouter cover and said inner liner at said back portion, at least aportion of the length of each of said second pair of leg elastics beingaligned parallel to an edge of one of said leg openings, and each ofsaid second pair of leg elastics being positioned within 1 inch of oneof said pair of leg openings; f) a third pair of leg elastics securedbetween said liquid permeable cover and said liquid-impermeable baffle,said third pair of leg elastics having an arcuate profile, each of saidthird pair of leg elastics being positioned within 1 inch of one of saidleg openings intermediate one of said first and second pairs of legelastics, each of said third pair of leg elastics being separated fromone of each of said first pair of leg elastics by a first gap of atleast about 0.125 inches and each of said third pair of leg elasticsbeing separated from one of each of said second pair of leg elastics bya second gap of at least about 0.125 inches, said first, second andthird pairs of leg elastics allowing gathers to form about each of saidleg openings to prevent leakage of body fluid from said underpants; andg) waist elastic attached between said outer cover and said inner linerat said front and back portions, said waist elastics allowing gathers toform about said waist opening to prevent leakage of body fluid from saidunderpants.
 17. The disposable absorbent underpants of claim 16 whereinsaid absorbent pad has a capacity for absorbing about 1,000 grams ofbody fluid.
 18. The disposable absorbent underpants of claim 17 whereinsaid absorbent pad has a capacity for absorbing about 1,500 grams ofbody fluid.
 19. The disposable absorbent underpants of claim 16 whereinsaid crotch portion has a third pair of edges forming an hourglassprofile and each of the third pair of leg elastics is aligned parallelto about 100% of one of said third pair of edges.
 20. The disposableabsorbent underpants of claim 16 wherein from about 75% to about 95% ofeach of said first pair of leg elastics is linear in configuration.